Bears Plan To Pull Out All Stops Against Packers

Strategy For Soldier Field Clash Centers On Being More Aggressive

The theme for the Bears' swarming defense is now the buzzword for the offense and special teams as well.

Aggressive play, at times, can make up for mistakes in execution.

Victory was there for the Bears' taking last week against the Detroit Lions, yet they failed to make the most of their opportunities. A botched interception here, a missed field goal there, a bungled tackle by everyone on the kickoff-return unit and the Bears came up short 21-16.

The Green Bay Packers (3-4) may not be as accommodating Monday night; the Bears may have to create their own opportunities to win.

The Bears (4-3) fell behind 14-0 last week, 28-0 in the loss to Minnesota and 30-0 to the Eagles in their setbacks this season.

"We're where we need to be defensively. We just have to muster up a drive early," said Bears coach Dave Wannstedt. "We're always fighting. We haven't had a chance to use our speed yet and come after somebody because we've always been behind."

Wide receivers Curtis Conway and Jeff Graham each made spectacular catches against the Lions. But they could have been more aggressive at other times when quarterback Erik Kramer's passes wound up in the hands of Lions defenders.

"I think every position on the field has an opportunity to be an aggressive player," said Bears receiver Tom Waddle, expected to return to action after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

"It's unfortunate that some of the mistakes happen, but I think guys fully became responsible for it and stood up for what they thought they did wrong. Everyone realizes that improvement needs to be made."

Waddle has been the embodiment of aggressiveness as a receiver throughout his career, sacrificing his body on passes over the middle.

"I hope to be able to provide a spark and at least be able to provide a body out there," Waddle said. "But that's (incurring injuries) the nature of the business."

The Packers' defense, led by ends Reggie White and Sean Jones, nose tackle John Jurkovic, tackle Steve McMichael, safety LeRoy Butler and linebacker Bryce Paup, ranks second in the NFL.

"Last Thursday night (a 13-10 overtime loss to the Vikings) was just an awesome performance by the man," said Packers coach Mike Holmgren of White. "He came in this year with his weight around 295. He reported in great shape."

White has six sacks. Jones leads the club with seven, and Paup has four.

A Bears victory Monday night would keep them one game out of first place behind NFC Central-leading Minnesota. The Packers desperately need a victory to reach .500 and have a reasonable chance to overtake the Vikings. The Bears are only 1-2 in division games; the Packers are 2-1 and could take a lead over the Bears in one of the playoff tiebreakers.

"It's a game you have to win if you're a Green Bay Packer," Holmgren said. "Then having it on Monday night is very special."

The Bears are 12-24 on Monday nights. They are 9-7 at home on Monday nights, but they have lost their last three at home.

"It's hard to say. There's no real explanation for it," Waddle said. "It just seems like when the lights go on and there is a national audience, we just seem to stumble around. It's not for lack of preparation. It's a bad coincidence, but a coincidence."

The Packers are 7-11-1 on Monday nights. They have lost their last four since a 12-9 overtime victory over Tampa Bay in 1983.

Each team will wear replicas of old uniforms (Bears in their 1925-26 threads and the Packers in 1937 duds). McMichael, who played more games in a Bears uniform than any other player, will look strange to Chicago fans when he is decked out in opponents' colors Monday night.

"You respected him greatly as a teammate, and you certainly respect him as a foe," Waddle said. "He'll get you totally out of your game if you start thinking about him. He's a character, one of the greats who has ever played the game. It will be fun."